A full bloom season is underway in California’s Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys, according to the California Prune Board.
Most growers saw a full bloom by mid-March, according to the board.
“Weather conditions were ideal and bee activity was strong, which is great for pollination,” according to a news release. “Growers across California are carefully watching for the emergence of fruit from the flower jackets. They are optimistic that a very good, high quality crop will emerge.”
The California Prune Board represents about 800 growers and packers who harvest from about 46,000 acres.
“This year’s bloom was strong and with cooler weather upon us, we are in a wait-and-see position to know just how the fruit set will look, Joe Turkovich, chairman of the prune board, said in the release. “The trees appear very healthy. Growers are out in their orchards regularly doing what they need to do in order to produce the premium fruit that California is known for.”
California prune production represents 99% of the fruit grown in the U.S. and 40% of world production, according to the board.
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